Kell Brook to fight Jo Jo Dan in IBF world title defence in first bout since Tenerife stabbing

Kell Brook returns to boxing for the first time since being stabbed last yearGetty

Kell Brook will return to boxing for the first time since being stabbed in Tenerife last year by taking on mandatory challenge Jo Jo Dan in his maiden defence of the IBF welterweight world title.

Brook will defend his title on 28 March at the Motorpoint Arena in his hometown of Sheffield after defeating Shawn Porter last August to become the latest British world champion, weeks before fighting for his life following a horrific attack while on holiday.

"I feel so emotional," said Brook. "From last year winning that world title and doing what people didn't think I was going to do. A few weeks later I was thinking would I never walk again.

"It's emotional but I've done everything that I've been asked to do. I've got myself into this position. I've got eight or nine weeks to go. We could have pay per view and had an American name but I've gone with the mandatory.

"I am after this massive fight, I'm getting this out of the way. I know he will be unbelievably hungry but he is in against me and I am going to work twice as hard to keep hold on to it.

"It's going to be an entertaining fight and I cant wait to put a massive show on for the fans.

Promoter Eddie Hearn is hopeful the bout will open the door to grander fights in 2015, with the division's world champions Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao among the targets.